Wetangula Rebukes Uhuru Over Claims on 2022 Election Outcome

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has criticised retired President Uhuru Kenyatta over his recent remarks questioning the outcome of the 2022 presidential election, urging political leaders to avoid ethnic divisions and focus on national unity and development ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Wetangula spoke in Eldama Ravine Constituency, Baringo County, during an all-women empowerment programme hosted by area Member of Parliament Musa Sirma.

The Speaker defended the record of the Kenya Kwanza administration and cited government projects, including road construction and the recruitment of teachers, as evidence of progress under President William Ruto.

“We have visible projects that the current regime has delivered. He has been travelling the world in search of opportunities for Kenyans. Tribalism has been our greatest enemy to this country’s growth,” Wetangula said.

He said the government had employed what he described as an unprecedented number of teachers over the past four years and expanded road infrastructure across the country.

“We should not make the mistake of sliding back,” he said, while warning against political mobilisation based on ethnicity.

Wetangula responds to Uhuru's 2022 election remarks

Wetangula's comments followed remarks by Uhuru Kenyatta during a Jubilee Party meeting in Nairobi on September 22, when the former president said he remained convinced that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had won the 2022 presidential election.

Uhuru said he and his political allies had done everything possible to support Odinga's presidential campaign and questioned how Azimio could perform strongly in parliamentary and county contests while losing the presidency.

The official 2022 presidential results, however, recorded William Ruto as the winner with 7,176,141 votes, or 50.49 per cent, against Odinga's 6,942,930 votes, or 48.85 per cent. The Supreme Court subsequently unanimously dismissed the petitions challenging Ruto's election and upheld the result.

Wetangula questioned Uhuru's continued criticism of the current administration and said the former president should respect the institution of the presidency after leaving office.

“Uhuru could never have ascended to power were it not for Ruto. He must respect the office of a retired President and the people of Kenya,” Wetangula said.

He also questioned Uhuru's argument concerning the 2022 election, referring to the electoral commission that oversaw previous elections in which Uhuru was declared president.

Calls to avoid ethnic politics

Wetangula warned political leaders against profiling communities and seeking support through ethnic mobilisation.

“We cannot afford to have leaders whose main aim is to spread tribalism,” he said.

He contrasted the current political debate with former President Daniel arap Moi's activities after leaving office, saying Moi used his later years to advocate for national unity.

“Retired President Daniel Moi left office a strong man and went out to call for unity. What we are seeing in Uhuru Kenyatta is unfortunate,” Wetangula said.

The remarks come as political parties and leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with debates over alliances, succession and the legacy of the 2022 contest increasingly shaping political discourse.

Sirma calls for focus on political records

Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma said the Rift Valley region had a role to play in supporting leaders who promote national cohesion and development.

“Rift Valley has been the focal point of Kenyan politics. We are ready to support those who have continued to call for unity and development,” Sirma said.

Sirma also said politicians seeking to succeed President Ruto in 2032 would ultimately have to present their records to voters.

“Those who want to succeed President Ruto in 2032 should be ready to show us their track record,” he said.

Leaders urge focus on development

President Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet called for Kenyans to be free to live and work anywhere in the country regardless of their political or ethnic backgrounds.

Senate Majority Leader Aron Cheruiyot similarly urged politicians to focus on policies and development programmes rather than political rhetoric.

“Let leaders sell their ideas, not rhetoric. The Constitution tells us that leaders must have a plan. Populism will not help us,” Cheruiyot said.

Baringo Woman Representative Florence Jematiah praised government efforts to improve security and address banditry in the region. She also criticised the continued political debate surrounding the 2022 election and urged voters to assess leaders based on development and stability.

The competing statements reflect renewed political debate over the 2022 presidential election, even as the country moves toward the 2027 General Election. Uhuru's recent comments have reopened discussion about the past contest, while government-aligned leaders have called for attention to current development, national cohesion and future political programmes.